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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Submissions

31
Uncle John's Band
Nov. 30, 1980
Fox Theatre

This is exceptional.
12
China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider
Oct. 25, 1973
Dane County Coliseum

Great stuff here. From a monster show, this is a really strong china < rider. One of the best of the era imho
14
Let It Grow
June 27, 1984
Merriweather Post Pavilion

Just dank. Really is a Monster version.
21
El Paso
May 8, 1977
Barton Hall - Cornell University

Obviously.
25
Scarlet Begonias -> Fire On The Mountain
Dec. 9, 1981
Activity Center - University of Colorado

Smokin' and charged with energy

Comments

Playin' In The Band
Dec. 31, 1972
Winterland Arena

Glad you dug it Grendel. 1972 was certainly a prime year for Playin' jams. This show represents a clear transition, into 73'. A really unique perspective on the development coming full circle in many of the jams in the songs. 1973 would sound similar to the sound they achieved on this night, but slightly more developed and controlled. This show represents a very good transition out of 72' into 73'. Probably my favorite New Years show.
Help On The Way > Slipknot > Franklin's Tower
May 9, 1977
War Memorial

Stinging leads carry this one; mainly provided by Garcia and Lesh. Keith however has some nice fills in the Help on the Way. Altogether, however, when held in a comparative lense with the other versions surrounding it, it can clearly not be considered the top version. 8-13-75, 6-9-77, 4-23-77, 10-9-76 are all better, and some others still might on future listenings take a higher spot. Don't get me wrong this version is massive, but is not the best. There are multiple flubs in the Help, and the Franklin sputters at times. It certainly gets helped immensely by the date it was played on, the night after Barton.
Bertha
Oct. 22, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Concise and strong, love Keith in this one. Garcia has a great solo. All in all Bertha was great in 71' this version proves that point.
Bird Song
March 16, 1973
Nassau Coliseum

Oh man, what a song, and what a version. Melodically this one trumps most, this soars and cascades. Belongs in any discussion for top 10.
Bird Song
June 22, 1973
Pacific Coliseum

Top 3 version.